Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

[scottzc]

When I launch pandora.app, or open pandora.com in my web browser, my selected playlist/station begins playing automatically. This is often embarrassing and/or disturbing, as it is often inappropriate for me to play music out loud in those situations. I don't want the music to start until I click the play button. (that is, after I have put in my ear buds, and switched audio from speakers to ear buds).  Also, sometimes I just want to search for a playlist or station, without listening to anything.

Please add an option in the web app and the desktop app that allows me to set the option to NOT auto-start playing music. Thank you.

mod edit: changed title for clarity

[AlyssaPandora · Accepted solution]

Hi, @scottzc. 👋

Thanks for your feedback around this. I completely understand where you're coming from. 

At this time, disabling playback upon launching Pandora on your web browser isn't a feature. However, if you download the Pandora Desktop App, the music doesn't start playing unless you click on the play button.

If you'd like to see other options available, feel free to create a feature suggestion in this space: Ideas

For more details about how ideas work, please visit our Ideas Policy & FAQs.

I hope this information is helpful. 🎧

[lukuskywalker]

Disable playback upon launching Pandora on your web browser.

When I open pandora.com in my web browser, my selected playlist/station begins playing automatically. This is often embarrassing and/or disturbing, as it is often inappropriate for me to play music out loud in those situations. I don't want the music to start until I click the play button. Sometimes I just want to search for a playlist or station, without listening to anything and most times I do not want to hear what I was last playing.

Please add an option in the web app that allows me to set the option to NOT auto-start playing music. Thank you.

[MariaPandora]

Hi @lukuskywalker , thanks for posting!

To keep thigs tidy I moved your post here: Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

Unfortunately, for web browser this is not currently a feature, but you may want to check the accepted solution for a work around.

Also, you may be interested on proposing a new idea to our Ideas Board. To do this, please go to the Ideas Board, then scroll down a bit so you can find the  button, so you can add your idea.

Please note that the post where you  and @scottzc previously shared your requests is an already closed post for the Pandora App.

[Raspberry_Trixi]

Hello,

Pandora has this annoying feature of picking random music I don't listen to - and then playing that music when I open Pandora in a browser. 

I don't want automatic anything.   I want full control of what comes out of the speakers.  

Is there anyway at all (other than discontinuing my subscription) to prevent Pandora from automatically playing music?  

Thanks.

[LeonPandora]

@Raspberry_Trixi 👋

Thanks for your feedback around this. I completely understand where you're coming from. 

Unfortunately, for web browser this is not currently a feature, but you may want to check the accepted solution for a work around.

If you'd like to see other options available, feel free to create a feature suggestion in this space: Ideas

For more details about how ideas work, please visit our Ideas Policy & FAQs.

I hope this information is helpful. 🎵

[Raspberry_Trixi]

I wonder if Spotify doesn't automatically play random music.   

[MariaPandora]

Hi @Raspberry_Trixi ,

Hearing from you helps us understand what matters to our listeners. In the meantime, we'll share this feedback with our development team on your behalf.

While Pandora doesn’t currently offer a way to disable auto-start at launch or set a default station on web, you can use a bookmark as a workaround to control what plays when you open it.

Here’s how:

• Select your desired station (click away and back if needed to update the URL)
• Copy the URL from your browser
• Save it as a bookmark

When you open Pandora using that bookmark, it should launch directly into your preferred station. If need additional help with adding a bookmark, feel free to let me know which browser you're using and I can send over steps.

[Raspberry_Trixi]

I'm about to cancel my account over this "issue."  I've been paying continuously since 2015. 

I don't want Pandora playing random music the SECOND I navigate to the pandora site (using my web browser).

I'm so done with this poppycock.   

If there's no solution then I'm gone.  Problem solved. 

[MariaPandora]

Thanks for posting @Raspberry_Trixi !

Sorry to hear about the trouble you've had with Pandora playing automatically. 

Hmm you can manage this auto-start feature but you would need to disable it from the app on your phone isntead of the website. Any changes you make there should reflect on any other device you have.

To do this.

• Open Pandora.
• Tap Profile.
• Next select the Settings gear in the upper right corner.
• Then tap Advanced.
• Scroll down and toggle the switch next to Enable Auto-Start Off.

You may also want to check for any extensions that may cause the Auto-Start form the browser. You should be able to check this from your browser settings.

Let me know how it goes.

[Raspberry_Trixi]

Pandora is automatically playing music I hate listening to.  If this cannot be fixed then I will cancel my subscription that I've had for about a decade.  Yeah, I know, big tech could give a flying-flip if I cancel my subscription but I care.  

Is there a  SIMPLE  solution or should I delete my account right now?

Not interested in listening to fanboys bent on tell others how to think their way.   Keep it to yourself if you have nothing useful to offer. 

I never use extensions EVER.  I use a browser on a normal computer ALWAYS.  i.e. I don't use my phone for Pandora, and I don't use an app.  I use a regular browser when listening to Pandora.  I never add ANYTHNG to my browser. I ALWAYS have a clean installation 100% free of rubbish (extensions, plugins, etc.).  I ALWAYS update EVERYTHING 24/7.  

Auto Play is off - yet Pandora still auto plays when I open a browser. . . .  

Okay, something ultra simple is utterly impossible for Pandora.  

I've been with Pandora for a decade.  I guess I'll cancel the subscription over this.  Yes, I know, Pandora could care less if I stop paying them a monthly fee.  Well, it matters to me. 

Moderator Edit: Merged comments

[lampstands7]

I don't know it all but i have seen the switch for turning auto play on or
off. It's where I forget, I think it is at the end of the page showing I
the song you are listening to. Just scroll up till you see it, or it's
shown under profile advanced, I am sorry but I had a traumatic brain injury
and I have short term memory loss and I have forget half of what I have
been through. I know it's there where you can turn off auto play, don't
give up on so long a time listening to great music. You can always just
hit the skip button.